(FLIR Thermal Viewer. Source: ThermalCapture.)
FLIR Systems, Inc. (Arlington, Va.), a company specializing in the design and production of thermal imaging cameras, components and imaging sensors, has made a strategic investment in DroneBase, a Santa Monica-based global drone operations company that provides businesses access to one of the largest Unmanned Aerial Surveillance (UAS) pilot networks. As a result of the investment, FLIR becomes the exclusive provider of thermal product solutions and the official small UAS thermal imaging training provider for the DroneBase enterprise pilot network through the FLIR Infrared Training Center (ITC). The companies declined to comment on the amount of the investment.
Jim Cannon, President and CEO, FLIR.
“Our investment in DroneBase helps expand the adoption of FLIR thermal imaging technology by putting it in the hands of more pilots who fly drones every day,” comments Jim Cannon, President and CEO, FLIR. “DroneBase’s enterprise pilot network will receive training by professional thermographers, enabling DroneBase to offer specialized thermal inspection services for customers on a wider scale, and creating an opportunity for FLIR to incorporate additional service offerings through DroneBase in the future.”
A joint statement from the two companies notes that DroneBase and its pilots have completed over 100,000 commercial missions in more than 70 countries providing services across multiple industries, including insurance, residential and commercial real estate, telecommunications, construction, and media. FLIR and DroneBase say they will collaborate to develop specialized training for DroneBase pilots through the FLIR ITC, creating an exclusive pilot network through a DroneBase certification process.
Access to Valuable Data
“Through FLIR’s strategic investment in DroneBase, we are now able to offer scalable thermal solutions to enterprises of any size,” comments Dan Burton, CEO and Founder of DroneBase. “This access to valuable data will allow stakeholders to make better decisions about their most critical assets. Like myself, many DroneBase pilots relied on FLIR products when they served in the military. This integration will offer military veterans a chance to work with FLIR again and leverage their training in their civilian lives.”
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